When I first approached the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) as a
nontraditional student, I was filled with uncertainty. With only a ninth-grade education
and a GED, I wasn’t sure I was “college material.” I shared my concerns with the
director of the UA Texarkana campus, explained what I needed to succeed, and was
immediately met with compassion, support, and a clear path forward. From day one,
UAHT believed in my potential, even before I fully believed in myself.

I arrived as an unemployed single mother, unsure how I’d provide for my children or pay
for college. But I dared to hope: to graduate college debt-free, to lead by example for
my kids, and to become a voice for students like me. What I found at UAHT wasn’t just
education, it was a family. Staff and faculty cared about my obstacles as much as my
progress. Through the Career Pathways program, scholarships, and real mentorship, I
was given the tools to start small and build toward something bigger.

UAHT helped me transform. I became a multi-award-winning scholar, receiving the
Coca-Cola New Century Scholar award, the Soroptimist International “Live Your Dream”
Award, and more. I led service projects, influenced community change, and developed
the leadership skills that now define my work. Most importantly, I proved to myself, and
to my children, that education is possible, opportunity is real, and dreams are worth
fighting for.

One moment that changed everything was holding my very first scholarship workshop
for nontraditional students on UAHT’s campus. Nervous but determined, I spoke from
the heart. That experience lit a fire in me that never went out. It led me to launch a
company that helps students become rising scholars and leaders with purpose. UAHT
gave me that first platform and every resource I needed to build a career and a calling.

Thanks to UAHT and a life-changing PTK adviser, I transferred with scholarships and
graduated 100% debt-free. I went on to earn a bachelor’s in emergency management
and a master's in nonprofit administration, but I never lost sight of the spark UAHT
ignited in me. Today, I am the CEO of a scholarship and grant strategy company, Arc &
Root Funding Co., working to build a full-service firm that supports students, nonprofits,
and communities throughout our region.

UAHT may not be the largest college in the area, but it is the one that gave me
everything I needed: belief, support, opportunity, mentorship, and a clear, debt-free path
to my future.

To anyone considering college, especially those who think it’s too late, too expensive, or
too overwhelming, let me say this: UAHT is more than a college. It’s a launchpad. If
you’re ready to challenge what’s possible for your future, this is where it starts.

Because of UAHT, I didn’t just earn a degree. I discovered my purpose, built a legacy,
and now help others do the same.

If you are a student or non-profit needing assistance, please visit www.arcrootfunding.com

Amanda Condon Shavers
CEO Arc & Root Funding Co.
UAHT Alumna 2016